A4 Avant B5 2.5 TDI Quattro: Buying Guide

Hi.

I need some help deciding how to proceed.

My summer Quattro barely gets 5,000 km on the odometer each year; last year, it only needed less than two full tanks of gas.

Purchased in 2016 for 1050 euros, and hasn't seen salt since.

I actually intended to use the Easter holiday to replace the timing belts.

I then looked in the oil filler neck for the "Top Dead Center" (TDC) mark, but instead, I saw a cam lobe.

"With a bright lamp and a long screwdriver, you can clearly see the chamfered edge."

I've stopped for now and am starting to think about it.

Everything is brand new on both sides, the material costs around 800 euros, but the source is unknown.

Find and install used parts with low wear.

Just leave everything as it is and only replace the timing belt.

Happy Easter, and thank you for listening.

Greetings, Rüdi.

Hello Ruedi,

If the engine isn't exhibiting any idle fluctuations yet, I wouldn't do anything for the next two tankfuls of fuel. Just keep driving and observe. You can always fix it later.


If the expected runtime is significantly increased and you are considering a repair, please note the following:

The AKN engine was produced between 1998 and 2001. Before 2001, inferior camshafts were installed, which frequently wore out and damaged the valve train. (TPI 2001095/4)

Starting in October 2001, hardened camshafts were used. The engine was installed in the Passat Estate (station wagon) until 2004.

So, if you're installing a used camshaft and new hardened lifters/hydraulic lifters, try to get a camshaft manufactured after 2001 from a Passat. However, it's probably easier to win a new car in a lottery than to find one.

Only you can decide whether the cost, labor time, and your fuel consumption, whether it's a €50.00 camshaft from an online auction or new parts for €800.00, are justified in relation to the overall condition of the vehicle and the expected lifespan you anticipate from it.


Happy Easter.

Michael.

Hello Ruedi,

What is the mileage of the camshaft?

It might be possible to estimate the remaining lifespan or failure probability by comparing it to other models discussed in the forum.

If I remember correctly, there are two common pitfalls, which can also be found in numerous posts here on the forum.
- Insufficient airflow/power loss due to worn camshafts.
- Rocker arm failure/valve actuation malfunction.

As long as the performance continues to decrease, I don't necessarily see a major problem right now.

Depending on the mileage, the VP44 injection pump can also be prone to electronic failures. The mileage and year of manufacture would be helpful in this case. The VP44 can be repaired, and I'm sure I can find the company again, although I don't remember the name offhand.

I would just keep driving the same annual mileage because it should still be good for a few more years.

The 2.5 TDI V6 engine can become expensive quickly if the rest of the car isn't in good condition. Given the vehicle's price, I would drive it until it breaks down and then get rid of it.
Or, it might be in such good condition that the cost of repairs is justified.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi.

First of all, thank you for the answers.

As mentioned, the car hasn't seen winter conditions since 2016, has no rust whatsoever, and is in very good visual condition.

"Three years ago, I was able to get a good leather interior for a low price and install it. I also installed a like-new TT steering wheel, the original S4 suspension, an RS4 exhaust muffler, and most recently, original S-line wheels in 18-inch size."

The technology is fine, except for a slightly leaky crankshaft seal on the transmission side of the engine. Otherwise, everything is in good condition, and anything that breaks will be repaired.

I noticed this because I was planning to replace the timing belt.

And I also have another thread about the AKE motor from my friend's son's A4, where two rocker arms broke, and the consequences are now becoming apparent.

While the 800 euros aren't a problem for me in themselves, I'm the kind of person who always puts investments into perspective relative to the purchase price. And with a purchase price of 1050 euros, 800 euros for a camshaft set plus 300 euros for the already existing timing belt kit is a significant amount.

That's why I created the thread: I've postponed the timing belt replacement for now, so I can carefully consider whether to replace everything or just repair what's necessary based on its current value.

One thing is clear: I'm not going to continue driving until something breaks.

Best regards, Michael.